Quality assurance and software testing is the most crucial step in any software development process. It ensures requirement adherent, performance reliability and defect-free product delivery to the client.

As the demand for the role of the tester is increasing, the more attention is being paid to the quality testing professional. Therefore, it is the high time to get certified and acquire the capabilities to fit in this demanding position. However, it is equally challenging to find the standard certifications which are being recognized all over the world.

This article is intended to enlighten the readers about the established certifications available in the market today. Let us see one by one

This is a part – I of testing certification series. In this article we'll be discussing on following four important software testing certifications:

CSTE stands for “Certified Software Test Engineer”. CSTE is a benchmark certification program for all Testers and Mangers that emphasize on professional competency and best practices in quality control in IT industry. Requirement or Eligibility criteria to take CSTE certification include and one of the following:

4 year degree from a recognized institution+2 year experience

3 year degree from a recognized institution+3 year experience

2 year degree from a recognized institution+4 year experience

6 years of experience in IT industry

How to Apply: The applicant should submit the request on Customer Portal with the payment of $350(PDF+initial exam) or $420(PDF+Book+CD+initial exam). You can apply for this certification through Customer Portal at Software Testing Certifications. You can also share your concerns at: certify@softwarecertifications.org.

Exam Pattern: The exam is divided into following parts:

Two sections for multiple choice questions which consist of 50 objective type questions.

Two sections for 10 subjective type questions such as Short answers or essays.

Exam duration is 4 hours 30 minutes and the passing marks are 75%. The examination retaking fees is $100.

#2) CSTP

CSTP is the short form for “Certified Software Test Professional”. This was initiated by International Institute for Software Testing (IIST) in 1991 and so far this has been successful in enhancing the career of thousands of aspirants by providing the professional skill set for software application testing.

This certification program could be taken by any newcomer in the testing field as well as for the managers and leaders in testing field.

The requirements to take this exam include a minimum of 10 day of formal Training or education which includes the following topics:

Principles of Software Testing

Test Design

Managing the Testing Process

Test Executions and Defect Tracking

Requirement Definitions, Refinement and Verification

Test Automation

Static Testing

Along with it, the applicant must be experienced in the testing related role for at least One year. The formal approval from the candidate’s manager is also necessary for him/her to apply for this certification.

A minimum of 80% marks are required to claim this certification successfully. The cost of this certification exam is $120, which is non-refundable and upon clearing the certification, it will not expire before 3 years.

#3) CTM

CTM stands for “Certified Test Manager”. This certification aims to support test managers and Senior Testers to handle the test projects efficiently by enhancing their management capability. Test Management Body of Knowledge (TMBK) is the foundation of CTM certification.

This program is focused on the managers, Senior level Testers, anyone who has over 3 years of industry experience and folks who are already done with CSTP certification.

The formal education requirements to take this exam include following compulsory topics:

Test Process Management

Test Project Management

Test Process Measurement and Improvement

Test Organization Management

Risk Management

Test Automation Strategies and Architectures

Software Quality Assurance

Eligibility: As mentioned above, a minimum of 3 years of experience is the eligibility requirement for appearing this test.

How to Apply: Application forms are available at IIST office and should be submitted to IIST chairperson, along with a non-refundable fee of $120. Upon grant, the CTM certification will not expire before 3 years. A minimum of 80% marks is required to get CTM certified.

The application form is directly accessible at IIST. You can forward any of your concerns to info@iist.org or call at (763)546-0072.

#4) HP QTP Certification

QTP certification by HP is meant for QuickTest professionals who wish to gain mastery in testing tools by HP called QuickTest. Since august 1st 2010, HP has come up with the HP QTP Certification v10.0.

AIS is beginner level certification exam whereas ASE is advanced level certification level exam. There exams are particularly famous with the following names:

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Hello, I have completed ISTQB-Foundation level. Right now I am working as S/w Engg. in Capgemini. I want to do more certifications in Testing. What kind of certifications are suitable for me to become a professional? Suggest me…

Hi Swati, I appreciate your article, it gives complete overview of CSQA certification. I am planning for CSQA, I have few question in my mind as, a. Once we clear a certification it is valid till next 1year, is it correct? If yes then what we need to do to keep this certificate alive? b. Is provided CBOK enough to clear this certification? Along with our work experience. Kindly help us. Thanks.

i am senthilkumar and i working and lives in Chennai,Tamilnadu in Devcare Solutions Chennai.I 2 yrs exp in Manual Testing , I want to write the CSTE (“Certified Software Test Engineer”) plz give suggestions and contact number and locations in chennai plz reply me Sir

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Choose your career as Mobile test Engineer and do mobile app certification.

What is Mobile Application Testing: Mobile Application Testing is a process by which application software developed for hand held mobile devices is tested for its functionality, usability and consistency. Mobile applications either come pre-installed or can be installed from mobile software distribution platforms. Mobile devices have witnessed a phenomenal growth in the past few years. A study conducted by the Yankee Group predicts the generation of $4.2 billion in revenue by 2013 through 7 billion U.S. smartphone app downloads. Variety of Mobile Devices: Mobile devices differ in screen sizes, input methods (QWERTY, touch, normal) with different hardware capabilities Diversity in Mobile Platforms/OS: There are different Mobile Operating Systems in the market. The major ones are Android, IOS, BREW, BREWMP, Symbian, Windows 7.5 Mango, and Blackberry (RIM). Each operating system has its own limitations. Testing a single application across multiple devices running on the same platform and every platform poses a unique challenge for testers. The IMTQN Certified Mobile Application Tester is a one who is well versed with Mobile Application Testing. The field of mobile testing is popular these days. The IMTQN Certified Mobile Application Tester (CMAT) – Foundation Level Certification involves both device testing as well as application and software testing to assure you a better prospects in the field of Mobile Testing. Many of us think about pursuing a career in this field of testing. Starting from a beginner in this domain to becoming an expert, the IMTQN Certified Mobile Application Tester (CMAT) – Foundation Level Certification is interesting and helpful to know what could be the different questions that are asked to people by an employer while selecting them for various positions in the mobile testing field such as a software tester. This process of testing includes a set of activities from monitoring and troubleshooting the mobile application to content and services on the real handsets. Testing is nothing but the verification and validation of hardware devices and software applications. How is mobile application testing different from mobile testing? When you are asked to do mobile testing, you must test the mobile phone itself. It may include protocol testing, battery testing, network connectivity testing, software compatibility testing and more. On the other hand, mobile application testing is to test applications and software built for the mobile phones. In this case, the application needs to be tested to verify whether it meets the specified functional and non-functional requirements.

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